Tractor-trailer rollover closes section of Hwy 401 westbound near Ridgetown

Provincial police in Chatham-Kent have closed the westbound 401 at Victoria Road following a tractor-trailer rollover overnight.

It was around 1 a.m. Thursday when a transport truck heading west went through the construction zone on the westbound Highway 401 near Scane Road. The driver lost control of the truck, entered the north ditch and rolled over, officers said.

“It was carrying auto parts and as a result, all the parts are scattered all through the ditch,” said Const. Jay Denorer.

“We have Chatham Towing on the scene. They have to remove all the auto parts by hand and then they’re going to remove the tractor-trailer from the ditch,” he said.

The driver suffered minor injuries and careless driving charges are expected, said Denorer.

The westbound 401 is closed at Victoria Road. Drivers are asked to exit in either direction on Victoria Road and will be able to get back on the highway at Kent Bridge Road.

Denorer is asking motorists to be cautious when coming up to the crash scene.

“A lot of times we’ll have a slowdown coming into the area as people are trying to get off of the highway. Expect delays and slow down,” he said.

“Look well ahead and look for brake lights. A lot of times what happens is people will come up and start breaking at the last second and that can cause collisions,” said Denorer.

The closure is expected to be in place until 12 p.m. Thursday.